Subscription Cost: Free to join, but some downloads are fee-based.
Publisher: CBS Interactive, Inc.
Reviewed by: Led by editor-in-chief Lindsey Turrentine, Cnet employs experts in a variety of fields to review everything from apps to car tech.
Uniqueness: In addition to being able to read reviews, Cnet offers a variety of software downloads, including plenty of freeware (beware of the accompanying adware on many of the programs, however).
Evaluation: I have been using Cnet for several years now, mainly as a source of cheap and free software, but also as a review source for many of my major purchases. Their unbiased and boldly honest reviewers get straight to the heart of the matter. This would be an excellent selection tool for anyone looking for the latest piece of media equipment for their A/V lab or even a new washing machine (I bought my Samsung based on their recommendation).
Subscription Cost: Subscription to the website and digital newsletter are free; Print issues of the newsletter cost $72/year here.
Publisher: eSchool Media, Inc.
Reviewed by: While eSchool News does employ its own editorial staff, members may submit their own content.
Uniqueness: This site is a hub of information that is offers reviews, but also information on educational conferences, professional development opportunities, trends in education and policy, best practices, and more.
Evaluation: Honestly, I am slightly embarrassed that I hadn't heard of this site until now. It seems to have information on almost anything that an educator would want for integrating technology into the classroom. My only problem with the sight is that, while the information is organized into several categories, I still find it a little difficult to navigate when searching for reviews on specific software and hardware items. The reviews are often blended in among other editorials within each category and the search tool often produces an excessive amount of results.
Publisher: Chicago Toy and Game Group, Inc. & Live Oak Games
Reviewed by: Run primarily by two game designers, Patrick Matthews and Mary Couzin, g4ed's columns are written by game developers, educators, and even a couple of agricultural economists.
Uniqueness: Not only does Games for Educators review game software, but there seems to be a major focus on board games, puzzles, and in-class games that require no materials whatsoever. My favorite feature, however, is the wide selection of podcasts that focus on using games in the educational setting.
Evaluation: While I find this site to be a nice selection tool for reviewing traditional board games, I would not recommend this site for those who are looking for solid software evaluation or tools to assist in the creation of digital media. The editors and contributing columnists focus elsewhere. The site's layout could be improved by tagging electronic games or even creating a separate page for their reviews.
Subscription Cost: Free website registration; $21.97/year for print subscription.
Publisher: IDG Consumer & SMB
Reviewed by: In addition to the mythical Macalope, Macworld employs tech developers and experienced journalists specializing in digital tech.
Uniqueness: This site is solely focused on Apple products, from iMacs to iPhones and iPads.
Evaluation:Macworld is a great source of information for anyone interested in purchasing or upgrading an Apple product. Anyone looking for reviews for Apple content should look here first. For those specializing in the production of digital content, Apple offers innovative and detail-oriented software with simple interfaces.
Subscription Cost: $49.95/year for a 5-issue subscription
Publisher: Information Today, Inc.
Reviewed by: This site's primary reviewers - Charles G. Doe, Sally Finley, and Alice Kurtz - are experienced technology and gifted education teachers.
Uniqueness: This site focuses on technology use in all areas of education, but i really enjoy the column by Mary Alice Anderson, "The New Media Center."
Evaluation: This site would be a good selection tool for those interested in software for education, due to its large archive of reviews which can be found here.
Subscription Cost: $19.97/year digital Zinio subscription; $1.99/month for Nook or Kindle users.
Publisher: Much like its snarky, hipster cousin Macworld, PC World is published by IDG Consumer & SMB.
Reviewed by: Most of the reviewers are IDG journalists who specialize in software, personal hardware, and other gadgets.
Uniqueness: While Macworld focuses on Apple devices, this magazine/site deals primarily with Windows gear. The review section on PC World's website is categorized for easy navigation.
Evaluation: If you can deal with annoying pop-ups and other advertisements, PC World offers a quality website that is loaded with content. The digital magazine version would be an added bonus, but there is enough free content on the site that users can save their money. The fact that PC World reviews any imaginable type of hardware and software makes it an ideal tool for anyone (who isn't using a Mac).
Reviewed by:Superkids offers reviews from a variety of educators, mainly from the university level, but also accepts reviews from parents and students.
Uniqueness: The website offers a variety of educational tools in addition to its reviews, including the ability to make math worksheets. It also produces a variety of apps that are available on iTunes.
Evaluation: For educational software, including games and test prep materials, Superkids is a great source to explore. Their reviews are superbly detailed and give an easy-to-understand rating system. Additionally, you can check the pricing of most software on the site.
Reviewed by: The founders of TWM are educators based in California, but other reviewers include teachers, professors, authors, and more.
Uniqueness: This website not only recommends movies to watch in almost all subject areas (sadly for me, no foreign language), but also provides teachers with detailed lesson plans and worksheets.
Evaluation: Teach With Movies definitely lends itself to a collaborative selection tool for teachers and librarians. Working with classroom teachers, librarians can enhance their collections by providing colleagues with a concise collection of content-specific movies.
Cnet.com
eSchool News
Games for Educators
Macworld
Internet@Schools
PC World
SuperKids Educational Software Review
Teach With Movies